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Tuesday, 8 August 2017

(NST) 'Let's talk about tourism tax' - Nazri Aziz to Sarawak.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Ministry has called on Sarawak government to discuss its unhappiness over the Cabinet’s decision to return 10 per cent share in tax per room per night collected from foreign tourists.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the state government should discuss with him over the matter instead of highlighting it in the media.

“If they want to know the details, they should come and see me but not through the press.

“Every state should have a share and it has been decided by the Cabinet,” he told reporters after opening the Merdeka Exhibition here.

Last month, Bernama reported that Sarawak government was unhappy with the decision to return RM1 for every RM10 in tax per room per night collected from foreign tourists, to the state government.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Openg had said it was because the decision differed from the original agreement.

Sarawak reportedly is expected to submit a joint memorandum with Sabah to negotiate with the Federal Government on the tourism tax issue.

Meanwhile, Nazri said the tourism tax would be collected by the Customs Department.

He said hotel operators must deal directly with the customs authority on the matter.

A flat rate of RM10 will be charged on foreign tourists per night, per room and Malaysians are exempted from the tax.